I've been riding and volunteering at Singletree Stables a couple times a week for 3 months. I was a frequent and experienced rider when I was younger, but I haven't riden for years and had never been formally taught how to ride. Joan and Jill have years of knowledge to teach and if you're there to learn, you will. I have learned so much.
The horses they use for lessons have one great quality in common, they're SAFE for all riders, which allows you to concentrate on improving your skills as a rider. Yes, many of them are older, but when I'm ready for a younger, spunkier horse, I'll buy one. After all, I'm going there for the lesson, not a pleasure ride. I'm currently riding a horse that will do anything I ask ... walk, trot, cantor and neck rein.
Joan & Jill are ""yellers"", but its instruction and if its for your safety or the riders around you, they need you to hear them and respond, not to mention you're moving in an open space and it can be hard to hear.
My first day volunteering, the class I worked with had a special needs child in it. They did so well with him, that I've taken my son there for a lesson. He is ADHD/Asburger and they did very very well with him and he did great too.
I've been to other stables that have instructors in their 20's. They wouldn't have had the knowledge base that Jill & Joan have, nor would they have been able to instruct my son.
And the 10 one-hour lessons for $150 is a great value.
I'd recommend lessons at Singletree for any age beginner or anyone looking to brush up on their skills.
I really enjoy volunteering and helping pass on what I'm learning to others. Volunteering gives me a chance to learn on the ground as well as getting some time with a few of the other horses.
Oh, and I've never seen anyone have to pull weeds, or been asked to pull them myself. I can't say that I can find a bit of truth in Ashlee14Ashlee's review. I've never seen a horse beat with a whip, the stalls and the facility has always been clean, and the other riders and borders have been courteous and friendly.
Go See for yourself!!
more